Kegworth property wins sixth ‘unacceptable’ HMO despite no parking fears

A Kegworth estate’s proposed sixth house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been approved despite multiple concerns. Residents slammed the “unacceptable” plan, claiming residents would be forced to walk on the road.

The proposal, presented by Dr Tracy O’Leary, focused on 17 Howard Drive in Kegworth. She intended to convert the existing four-bedroom house into a five-bed HMO by converting the current living room into a new bedroom.

No increase to the three existing car parks, including one inside a garage, was also included in the plans, sparking much concern from residents and councillors. Fears were heightened as the proposed HMO would also have become the sixth in Howard Drive, with increased traffic becoming a major concern.

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One resident, who said the scheme was “unacceptable”, claimed the road was already suffering from cars being “all over the place”. They feared that more vehicles would block the sidewalks and force people to “walk the roads.”

Others noted the need for HMOs, with one claiming that Howard Drive was already “oversubscribed” with similar schemes. They said the existing properties already presented problems on what they claimed would be a small family property.

Kegworth Parish Council has also raised concerns about the conversion. In a five-point objection letter, they said Dr O’Leary’s plan was an “over-intensive” development of the site, while they feared the proposed fifth bedroom would be “too small” for a future occupant.

Parish councilors have also added to fears about a lack of parking, claiming there is a shortfall of two spaces. However, officials from Leicestershire County Council’s highways team disagreed, saying the proposal would provide “sufficient” parking provision for five residents and any potential impact on safety “would not be unacceptable”.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) also dismissed concerns about the HMO and approved the scheme, claiming it was a “sustainable” development. However, it placed conditions on Dr O’Leary’s scheme, insisting that no more than five people could live on site, while provision for bicycle parking should also be made. The council said the parking spaces should be used at all times by future occupiers to “reduce the possibility” of on-street parking.

Council approval makes Howard Drive’s sixth HMO the latest in a long line for Kegworth, following in the footsteps of similar schemes in Huffer Road, Heafield Drive, Station Road and Wyvelle Crescent, despite multiple concerns. An 11-bed HMO for Station Road was rejected earlier this year amid fears it would leave residents in “unacceptable living conditions”.